GTT gets new CEO

…Nedd appointed Vice President of ATN’s Strategic Programmes

Telephone giant – Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) on Tuesday announced the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Damian Blackburn, who will replace Justin Nedd with effect from Monday, May 3, 2021.

Nedd is stepping down as CEO of GTT to take up a new post as ATN’s Vice President of Strategic Programmes. Both Nedd and Blackburn made the announcement during a virtual press conference on Tuesday morning.

Blackburn, a veteran in the telecommunications sector, has over two decades of experience leading major mobile, internet and TV operations and technology start-ups in the Caribbean, the Americas and European markets.

“Damian is a highly experienced telecoms leader who has the vision to grow GTT and deliver on the changing needs of our customers and the country,” said Chairman of GTT’s Board of Directors, Brad Martin said in written statement.

“His impressive career has included running companies, building and managing mobile networks, leading growth initiatives, and more. One of the most consistent themes of his work is that he’s been a customer service champion at every level. With a track record of operating highly-reliable networks and improving customer experience, Damian will accelerate GTT’s customer-focused mission,” Martin added.

Blackburn most recently served as CEO of Aliv, a successful startup LTE network mobile operator in the Bahamas. According to GTT, Blackburn has also held CEO and key leadership positions at Digicel, Virgin Mobile, Vodafone/Orange and BT Group- roles in which he lead successful strategic business and operational development activities across multiple jurisdictions.

“It’s an honour to lead a company that has long served the people of Guyana and is such an integral part of the country’s economy and culture. My goal is to listen to our customers and work with our incredible team to make sure that we deliver the country’s vision of exceptional technology and service to meet current and future needs. The company has built a strong foundation – and with a sharpened focus on the needs of our customers, we will rise together with Guyana,” the incoming CEO said.

As Guyana’s telecommunication sector expands, Blackburn said he stands ready to engage in healthy competition, which often result in better services for consumers. Further, Blackburn said within 30 days of taking up his new post, he will be devising a number of plans to tap into the Oil and Gas Sector among other areas.

“In my first 30 days, I will be working through all of the current plans and working with the team to get new plans, specifically around oil and gas….I started my career in the gas field and I do know from that experience that they are very dependent on high quality communication,” he said, adding that he looks forward towards working with the Oil and Gas companies here.

The telephone company said as Guyana economy transitions and presents expanded opportunities for investment, growth and job creation, ATN has opted to create a new initiative under the leadership of Nedd. As ATN’s new Vice President of Strategic Programs, Nedd will focus on cultivating additional ATN investments, including in Guyana.